Angelina Jolie says 'Maleficent' scene a metaphor for rape

Compiled by Tony Hicks

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
06/12/2014 11:19:09 AM MDT

Angelina Jolie has confirmed that a scene in her new film "Maleficent" is a metaphor for rape.

Talking to BBC Radio's Women's Hour on June 10, Jolie addressed a scene that has been interpreted by some as a metaphor for sexual assault. In the scene, Maleficent is drugged by a man she loves and trusts, who then takes her wings and robs her of the ability to fly.

"We were very conscious, the writer and I, that (the scene in question) was a metaphor for rape," Jolie said. "The core of ("Maleficent") is abuse, and how the abused have a choice of abusing others or overcoming and remaining loving, open people."

In the retelling of "Sleeping Beauty," Maleficent takes revenge against the man's daughter, Aurora, by putting a curse on her as an infant.

Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) in 'Maleficent.' (Disney Enterprises)

Jolie told the BBC her character's betrayal and assault catalyzed Maleficent's vengeful behavior, which transformed her character from being a benevolent fairy into a villain. "The question was asked, 'What could make a woman become so dark? To lose all sense of her maternity, her womanhood, and her softness?'"

The film's writer, Linda Woolverton, told The Hollywood Reporter the scene is critical to the audience's ability to understand Maleficent's motives.

"The biggest challenge (making the film) was how to make a villain into a protagonist," Woolverton said. "How on earth was I going to justify that this woman would curse a baby?"

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